An Act To Amend Title 19 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Delaware Contractor Registration Act And Decreasing The Contractor Registration Fee For Certain Contractors.
If enacted, the bill stands to impact the contractor registration process significantly by simplifying it for smaller entities. The decreased fees would lower barriers to entry for new contractors and support ongoing operations for those already registered. By strengthening the contractor base in Delaware, the intent is to support local economic development, particularly in the construction sector, where small companies often play a crucial role.
House Bill 97 aims to amend Title 19 of the Delaware Code by decreasing the registration fees required for contractors without a state contract, specifically targeting smaller contractors with three or fewer employees. The bill proposes an initial annual registration fee of $200, less than the previous amount, with provisions for further reduced fees contingent on continued compliance with labor laws over two years. The change is intended to ease financial burdens on small contractors operating in Delaware, promoting local business growth and sustainability.
The overall sentiment surrounding HB 97 appears to be positive among those advocating for small businesses, as it is perceived as a supportive measure aimed at reducing operational costs and encouraging compliance with labor regulations. While no specific opposition from other legislators was noted in the discussions, potential critiques may arise regarding whether reduced fees could compromise oversight in compliance with state labor standards.
The main point of contention revolves around the balance of incentivizing small business growth while ensuring the integrity of contractor practices. Proponents believe that lowering fees will enhance economic activity and encourage more firms to register. However, there are concerns that such reductions could inadvertently lead to an influx of contractors who may not adhere to labor standards, thereby potentially impacting overall work quality and worker protections in the industry.